2 Chainz barely has two minutes to spare in his schedule these days. Since his solo success, the former Playaz Circle member has been appearing on records for everyone from Young Jeezy to Justin Bieber. Rap-Up TV managed to score some time with the in-demand MC before his show with Nicki Minaj in Los Angeles.

Just days before his debut album Based on a T.R.U. Story drops on August 14, Deuce spoke about the star-studded project and his latest single “Birthday Song” featuring Kanye West. “It was an idea I had. He heard it. Of course he felt like he got that present already,” said 2 Chainz, who shot a video for the song, which he describes as “left field.”

His tourmate Nicki Minaj also appears on the record “I Luv Dem Strippers.” “That song is just a natural organic song for anybody from my region,” said the Atlanta rapper, who recently shot a “nasty” video with Nicki. “We’re slightly infested with strip clubs, but it’s a beautiful thing when you learn the art of it as far as the pole tricks and things like that.”

Last month, 2 Chainz called out “lazy artists” for remixing his songs. While his comments were not directed at anyone in particular, he does have a problem with the lack of originality.

“I just think we should make more original compositions, so we can keep music moving forward,” he said. “When 10 people do the same song, I don’t know how you can say who’s the best. After so many people do it, who really cares which one was the best song when it came from someone else’s original idea.”

Plus, find out why he wanted to do the cuss-free remix to Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend” and how much he values his longtime friendship with Lil Wayne. “He was an inspiration the whole time,” he said. “I appreciate anything that Young Money-Cash Money do for me in the game.”